First responders and veterans honored at ‘LiveLife Family Day’

State Senator Michael Moore, Worcester Register of Probate Stephen Abraham, Rev. Will Bard, founder and CEO of LiveLife Center and Valiant Veterans, and Amanda Sullivan (front), executive director of LiveLife and executive director and co-founder of Valiant Veterans, with Boston Bruins mascot “Blades,” two of the team's “Ice Girls” and “Corporal Gunnar.”

Shrewsbury – Despite the rain, nearly 1,000 people enjoyed a free barbecue and met with local first responders at the “LiveLife Family Day” July 27 at the Hebert Candy Mansion. The event was hosted by the Worcester-based organization Valiant Veterans LiveLife Center and Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog.

Amanda Sullivan, the executive director of LiveLife and executive director and co-founder of Valiant Veterans, said she was thrilled with the day's turnout.

“It was an incredible day and we loved watching those who serve and sacrifice for us spend time with their families enjoying activities such as bounce house, visits from mascots like FINZ, (from the Worcester Sharks) and Blades (from the Boston Bruins) as well as characters like Sponge Bob and Elmo and being able to have a free lunch and some desert as well,” she said. “So much is given to us, [by first responders]; they rarely get the thanks that they deserve. We were honored to give something back to them.”

Valiant Veterans helps veterans with the tools and resources necessary to successfully integrate back into society after serving in the military. Sullivan is the organization's co-founder and executive director and also trains “Corporal Gunnar,” a Siberian Husky/Alaskan malamute service dog who will go on to assist a veteran who has posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Gunnar was on hand at the event to meet fans.

In addition to having the opportunity to meet and thank first responders, attendees were treated to music, raffles, children's activities and games.
State Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, presented Valiant Veterans with a Senate citation for organizing the first annual Community Day honoring first responders and military.

Blades was joined by two of the team's “Ice Girls” who stayed for the entire event mingling and taking photos with the crowd.